MEF's 9th Annual Gala

April 11, 2026

Millbrae Recreation Center

477 Lincoln Cir., Millbrae CA

The Annual MEF Gala and Auction is our signature community celebration- an unforgettable evening that brings together families, educators, supporters and local partners with one shared purpose: investing in the future of our children. This year’s theme, Nashville Nights, sets the stage with the spirit of connection, creativity, and heart, reflecting the vibrant energy and generosity our community brings to everything we do. Last year, our Gala and auction raised $230,000.

Nashville Nights: A Grand Ole Gala

It’s time for the Millbrae Education Foundation’s annual Gala, a night where we will amplify the opportunities for Millbrae’s kids! This year’s theme Nashville Nights brings a vibrant high-energy atmosphere that sets the stage for our children’s future: inspiring creativity and confidence in every student. Last year, our community came together to raise an incredible $230,000 in one single night, and this year we invite you to be a part of breaking that record while making a lasting impact on our schools! Through MEF we directly support our schools by funding essential programs like STEAM, reading specialists, Legarza PE and the Taylor music program which enhance learning and empowers every child to thrive. The Gala is more than a night of music and celebrations, it's a meaningful way to come together as a community to make a lasting impact. Every dollar raised helps create brighter opportunities, stronger schools and empowered students.

Purchase Your Tickets

The Night's Agenda:

4:45 pm: Check-in begins

5:00 - 6:00 pm: Sip, mingle and kick off the night

6:30 - 7:30 pm: Dinner takes center stage

7:30 - 9:00 pm: Live auction: raise the paddle

9:00 - 11:00 pm: Dance, play games and close out the night in style (Late night bites by Chik-fil-A)

Attire: From denim to dressy- make it your Nashville best

Tickets Include:

Dinner, fun games and entertainment, music and dancing from BigFun DJ, access to live auction items and a portion of each ticket will go directly toward this year’s $850,000 Annual Fund Goal.

*Cash bar: sip, savor and toast the night- alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Meal Choices:

This year’s meal hits all the right notes with food stations offering a variety of bites by Toast Catering to include: Pork Belly Bao Spring Rolls w/Shitake Mushrooms - Skewered Chicken w/Thai Peanut Sauce - Pad Thai Noodle Salad - Edamame Potstickers - Mini Beef & Havarti Sliders - Buffalo Cauliflower - Smoky BBQ Chicken Wings - Truffle Mac-N-Cheese Balls - Mini Quiche Lorraine - Chicken Empanadas w/Chipotle Aioli - Rack of Lamb Lollipops w/Minted Chimichurri - Swedish Meatballs - Crab Cakes w/Meyer Lemon Aioli - Sweet Potato & Tahini Crostini w/Goat Cheese

Ticket Pricing:

Opening Act Pricing: Secure your tickets first between March 9-March 25 at $180 per person

Final Show Pricing: Wrangle your tickets between March 26-March 31 at our second chance price of $190 per person

Teachers: Sponsor a teacher!

Ticket Confirmation:

After successfully registering, you will receive an email confirmation. Printed tickets will not be issued. Attendees must check in upon arrival for admittance.

Table Seating:

There’s a seat for everyone to join the fun! Each table seats 10 guests and seating will be open so you can mix, mingle and gather with friends! Tickets are purchased individually and you are welcome to purchase multiple tickets at a time if you would like to attend as a group.

FREE Childcare:

Interested in childcare? To make attending easier for families, complimentary childcare is available through CamEd for children in TK to 12 years old. Space is limited to 35 spots and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to reserve a spot, simply note your interest in the additional questions when purchasing your ticket. We will reach out to interested families with further details soon.

Credit Cards:

We need every attendee to register a credit card before the event. The same credit card can be used for more than one ticket. The credit card on file will be associated with the paddle number.

Parking:

Plenty of free parking in the parking lots and surrounding area.

Donate to MEF

If you can’t attend, you can still give to MEF. Your tax deductible cash donation will go towards helping Millbrae kids soar.

Volunteer at the next Gala

We still need volunteers to help with data entry, decor, event day volunteers to set up and clean up, bid spotters and ticket sellers. If you’re able to help, please sign up here or contact volunteers@millbraekids.org.

Donate Auction Items

We need your help to make our Auction a huge success! We’re still looking for the following items. Please fill out this form to donate.

Vacation homes
Money-can’t-buy experiences
Electronics
Access to celebrities or local stars
Incredible culinary experiences
Home chefs
Exercise packages or personal trainers
Photographers to help us with some exclusive packages
Wine packages, tastings or tours
Anything else

Count Me In!

Join the fun and help support our Millbrae schools through the Count Me In campaign!

From taco nights to trivia, wine tastings to kids’ parties, you can host or attend unique events that bring our community together—all while raising funds for vital school programs.

Want to host an event? Submit your idea by February 28, 2025 using our Event Submission Form.

For questions, email volunteer2@millbraekids.org.

Together, we can make a difference—Count Me In! 💙

Donate Auction Item

Have questions about the Gala? Want to help with the Gala next year? We need volunteers!

Contact us at gala@millbraekids.org!

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